Review: Mezzanine Floor - Architecture of Aeons

Mezzanine Floor is one of those underground (or better say untraceable yet) bands that definitely needs more exposure cuz they are talented and they believe in what they do. But let’s take things from the start. Mezzanine Floor hails from Port Elizabeth in South Africa and they started in 2010. Around three years later, in 2013, they released their debut album “Feed the Machine.” This year they’re back with a more mature and complete second release titled “Architecture of Aeons.”

What I fancy about this “newcomer” is their musical variety and the way they deliver their music… simply, passionately, with a musical vision. Dixen van Onselen has a great voice, which is in the same time very powerful and versatile. The band is into the hard rock music of the 70s and the early 80s from one side, and more modern take on a mixture of progressive, death and black metal on the other side, all wrapped up with various classic rock & a few prog rock elements as well. “Behold! Lusca,” “Shine No More,” “Trading Gallows for the Sun” & “Behold! The Ascention” are more straightforward rockers but the two-part “Asphodel Meadows” is somewhat more prog oriented. “Withered Calla” is very folksy covered in a veil of mystery for the most part. The production is very good on the whole record – it may be a bit “dry” at places, but that won’t mind anyone at long last.

“Architecture of Aeons” is a well-crafted album, which has a refined musical character. The musicianship is very tight and the melodies are wonderful. This ain’t a “wannabe” retro album; it’s a musical proposal that shows how the young musicians of today honor their musical influences and deliver the goods. I’m already looking forward to their next steps… Till then, just enjoy “Architecture of Aeons” and do support the band.